Vitamin D deficiency increases post-operative pain

A new study has shown that vitamin D deficiency makes the recovery process after surgical operations more painful.

In a new international study, the operation and recovery processes of 184 female patients who underwent breast cancer surgery were followed. In the analysis, it was determined that individuals with low vitamin D levels in their body were 3 times more likely to feel moderate to severe pain in the first 24 hours following surgery compared to those with sufficient vitamin D levels.

In the study, it was found that the group with vitamin D deficiency used opioid painkillers such as fentanyl and tramadol, which have side effects such as addiction and nausea, in much more intense amounts to relieve pain. It was reported that postoperative nausea complaints were significantly more common in these patients.

Researchers pointed out that vitamin D has a direct regulatory role on the immune system and the body's pain processing mechanisms. Experts reported that routine vitamin D screenings before surgery and simple supplements given to patients with deficiency can ease the post-operative recovery process and reduce the consumption of heavy painkillers.